Bahrain and Dubai

Okay it's been a ridiculously long time since I updated so sorry for that.

I've been having a great time here, plain and simple. I am loving staying home with Max and meeting so many people from so many different cultures. it is just fascinating to say the least. In the past few months, I've met people from Dubai, Tunisia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia. And that's just off the top of my head.

Max and I have been very busy with tons of playgroups, coffee meetings with other moms, music classes, art classes and, soon, a class called "Play Ball". The weather has been spectacular and I really have no complaints.

Last month, I had friends come visit. They were in Doha for two days and then went on to Oman and Dubai. I met them in Dubai and there are tons of pictures to sort through so I will have to wait to post those, but I do have a few.

Here are Hilary and me at the camel races in Doha.

Here are Casey and I in the lobby of the Burg Al Arab, the world's only "seven star" hotel


I did take a few "fine art photos" too:

The view of the Burg Al Arab from the beach


A close up


The world's tallest building


Sharks in the aquarium in one of the malls


A closer view of the tallest building.


Okay so on to our family vacation in Bahrain, a small island to the west of us. Bahrain was much like Doha in size but they are much more liberal....you can drink in any restaurants and seeing people in traditional dress was not as common. But really, Bahrain was slightly boring. There was not much to do and there are surprisingly few beaches for an island. However, the people were fabulous and we had a good time just being together. keith has been working almost every day since we got back from Christmas in the states and it was nice to see him relax.

The Pool




Keith and Max. Max does not like the flash


Mom and dad enjoy a night out to dinner


Around town




Last but not least, George. We have decided that we will take picture of George in every country we visit while we are overseas. Max never goes anywhere without him!

Oman

We just got back from Oman, a country just east of us, and had a great time. Oman is a great country, with a rich culture and friendly people. There were also lots of things to see! But first, we wanted to spend some time by the pool!! Max is getting better at swimming (at least he kicks his legs now). The floaties help.


The next day was a day reserved for siteseeing. First we hit the Grand Mosque, which was incredible. It was absolutely huge.



Incredibly, this carpet was made in one piece and loomed inside the actual room. You can see how big the room is by the tiny person in the back and to the left.


Next stop, the souq in Muscat (the capital of Oman). Gorgeous and full of people that really wanted to sell us stuff!



Lastly, we walked around the town, where I captured this photo of a lovely mosque.

Thanksgiving and Christmas in qatar

I totally forgot to post pictures of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Here we are at a friend's house on Thanksgiving. Eating outside for all you people in Chicago!


One of the cool things about living here, is that we get to meet people from all different countries. Case in point....our Filipino Santa and Filipino Chorus for various Christmas celebrations!



Having nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas, I will close with an artistic shot of the Islamic Cultural Center....

The latest

Yes, I have not written in a long while, but I have so many photos that I have to share. The latest and greatest is our desert safari that we went on the other day. We were picked up and driven into the desert in a Land Cruiser and taken on quite a tour! Our driver was racing up sand dunes bigger than houses at 40 to 50 miles an hour and we had no idea what was on the other side!! There were many people out in cars, dunebuggies and ATVs so it was quite crowded. It was thrilling and scary at the same time!

After the dune bashing, we were driven to the Inland Sea, where we had a chance to rest, take pictures and see the coast line of Saudi Arabia. We also got to ride some camels! After that, we were taken to camp, fed BBQ and rested in a Beduoin style tent. It was a lovely time and now for the photos!

In case you are wondering what it looks like to be on the back of a camel


Keith and Margaret on camels

Max and I on a camel


The coastline of Saudi Arabia, a place I never thought I would ever see

The Inland Sea





And now for some interesting pictures that I have taken as I've observed my new home the last few weeks. First, can someone PLEASE tell me what in tarnation this is? it was in the fruit aisle at the grocery store....and it was about four times the size of my head.


Next, another question I have. What goes on in the Filipino Health House?


I'm sure I've mentioned that I think certain people are a little, um, shall, we say, arrogant in the city I live? Here is an example. Something tells me the driver of this vehicle is far from handicapped, but that's just me.


Last but not least, Keith and I managed to find a speakeasy in town, which shall remain nameless, but suffice it to say, it was full of Brits and Aussies and there was a LOT of beer.

A day out in Doha

Keith and I got a babysitter on Friday and spent the day out together and exploring Doha a bit. First, we went to Friday brunch at the Marriott. Friday brunch here is quite popular. It was excellent, with the exception of the fact that I had to repeatedly ask for coffee and never did get my champagne. We're still learning our patience.

Next, we went to the Corniche, which is on the water and a very relaxing, picturesque spot to spend time. People have picnics, play in playgrounds and take rides on the water Dhows. Here is a sampling of our day, taken with my iphone.

clouds

I saw clouds yesterday. The first time I've seen clouds since I arrived in Doha. And not only were there clouds, but they were big clouds. And slightly dark. It even seemed like it might rain. But no. It didn't. Today it's sunny again.

So yesterday we went to see Max's new pediatrician. Dr. Samer. What a nice man. We immediately felt comfortable (well, Max was too busy taking Dr. Samer's desk apart to notice really). Dr. Samer is at Al Ahli Hospital, which was basically like a hotel. Complete with a waterfall in the lobby. The waiting room for Pediatrics was a large colorful room with chairs that were straight out of a Dr. Suess book. While we waiting, a woman with a tray came up to me and asked me if I would like tea or coffee. I said, "Excuse me?" She said "Madame, would you like tea or coffee while you wait?" I declined and was totally amazed that they basically had a server in a pediatric waiting room. Talk about first class service. Max got a flu shot while we were there so hopefully we won't have a winter like last winter!!

So here is our new car!

I'm loving our license plate....it looks fancy

Here's a quick shot of our house

Okay if anyone has a clue why this palm tree in our front yard is tied up like this, please let me know....many of us in the compound are confounded by this.

And now I leave you with one of my favorite poses.

Doha--Week three

On Friday, I went out with "the girls" for a spa day and dinner. We all left our children at home with their fathers. We were all debating what time to leave for dinner and my friend Beth had only one question. "How long can we stay away from the children?" We all had the same question.

Anyway, we went to a lovely spa called Diva Lounge and got manicures and pedicures. After the spa, we went to "The Italian Job" restaurant and drank wine and talked about Doha and how we were settling in. It's so great to have other expats in the city because you can bond over so many things. Like how many times you've cried since you arrived. Just kidding. Kind of. Everyone seems to go through the same feelings of "have I made a mistake" and so forth, followed by days of really feeling comfortable. Everything just works differently here in Doha. A much slower, relaxed pace. And when you accomplish something normal, you feel a great sense of accomplishment. Example? I got gas at a gas station all by myself! What a feeling! And tomorrow, I plan to call a pediatrician and get Max an appointment! Yay!

It has been very nice having a backyard. I bought Max a backyard toy--half sandbox, half waterworks. He seemed to enjoy it and became a muddy mess within seconds. Hence, the clothes came off!

I think Max is still getting used to the whole outside thing...he's not used to just walking outside and playing--we used to have to go all the way to the city park for that!

Yesterday, we all went to Jungle Zone where Max played on some kiddie rides and we just walked around (which seems to be a poplular weekend activity). I bought the most expensive balloon ever made--$10. But the thing was too funny NOT to buy. Max loved it and "walked" him around for hours.


Well, that is the news to report for the last two days. I leave you with another funny, Doha fact.....when was the last time you saw one of these babys?

Yep, its a pull tab. That's how the soda comes here folks.